Official Gazette (Kuwait Today) Publishes Decree-Law on Media Regulation
Kuwait City, Oct 3 (KUNA) -- The Official Gazette, "Kuwait Al-Yaum," published in its issue No. 1811, released after midnight on Sunday, a law decree No. 102 of 2026 issuing the Law Regulating Media. Article Two of the aforementioned law decree assigned the competent minister the task of issuing the executive regulations for this law within six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, as well as issuing the necessary decisions to implement its provisions.
Article Three obliged owners of the media activities mentioned in this law and existing upon its implementation to regularize their status in accordance with its provisions within six months from the date of issuance of the executive regulations, with failure to do so within that period resulting in the cancellation of the license.
Article Four repealed Law No. (3) of 2006 concerning Publications and Publishing, Law No. (61) of 2007 concerning Audiovisual and Audio Media, and Law No. (8) of 2016 Regulating Electronic Media, as well as any other provision conflicting with the provisions of this law.
Article Five of the aforementioned law decree required ministers to implement the provisions of this law decree within their respective jurisdictions, and stipulated that it shall be published in the Official Gazette and take effect six months after its publication.
The explanatory memorandum for Law Decree No. 102 of 2026 issuing the Law Regulating Media stated that this law represents a comprehensive qualitative leap to restructure and modernize the country’s media system. It clarified that the law aims to address legislative gaps resulting from rapid technological developments while consolidating constitutional principles governing press freedoms and freedom of expression.
The memorandum emphasized that the media environment has undergone radical transformations due to the digital boom, which has reshaped concepts of broadcasting, publishing, and influence. It noted that the law is based on flexible legislative engineering, focusing on establishing fixed general principles and provisions, while delegating emerging detailed, procedural, and technical matters to its executive regulations to ensure swift and efficient adaptation to technological changes.
The memorandum highlighted that the law dedicates space to affirming general and constitutional principles governing media activities, foremost among them guaranteeing freedom of opinion, expression, press, printing, and publishing. It defined the scope of regulating media patterns that have emerged over time, such as technical terms related to broadcasting, rebroadcasting, frequencies, channels, stations, and programs, as well as new concepts like electronic media, electronic media outlets, their owners, users, electronic domains, and social media platforms.
It affirmed that freedom of opinion is guaranteed and that every individual has the right to express and publish their opinion by speech, writing, or otherwise, without infringing on rights and freedoms, and within the limits prescribed by law to protect public order and morals, respect the rights, dignity, and reputation of others, and safeguard national security and unity.
It further confirmed that freedom of the press, printing, publishing, and media is guaranteed and regulated by the provisions of this law. Consequently, the media activities stipulated therein, as well as books and publications displayed at official book fairs, are not subject to prior censorship. However, the activity of displaying cinematic films, books, and other non-periodical publications printed or published within the State of Kuwait is subject to prior approval from the competent ministry before printing, distribution, and publication.
The memorandum referred to provisions concerning newspapers, publications, audiovisual and audio media, technical broadcasting and rebroadcasting services, electronic media, the activities of callers and advertisers on social media platforms, news agencies, journalists of Arab and foreign newspapers and channels, artistic production companies, cinematic films, cinemas, artistic, musical, and vocal concerts, as well as advertising and promotion.
It also pointed to provisions regarding violations, crimes, and penalties for those contravening the law’s provisions or engaging in media activities without a license, including financial fines and administrative sanctions. (End) J.Y.
